Open figure viewer
Significance
The remarks follow confirmation of talks between Malian authorities and Russian private military company Wagner. France, which intends to reduce its military presence in Mali, is fiercely opposed to a deal with Wagner; so too are Mali's European and Sahelian security partners.
Impacts
If it goes through, the Wagner deal would elevate concerns in Washington about Russian influence in Africa.
Abuses by Russian mercenaries could further inflame tensions in Mali’s conflict zones.
Growing Russian influence would be divisive: parts of the Malian elite would welcome it, but more have closer ties with France.
© Oxford Analytica 2021. All rights reserved. This content contains general information about geopolitical, macroeconomic and social developments or (where stated) other matters. It does not contain advice or recommendations that may be relied on. Where links to external websites are provided, this does not indicate that Oxford Analytica or Emerald agree with, endorse or have checked for accuracy the contents of said sites.
2021
You do not currently have access to this content.
